Inspiration From Contemporary And Past Teachers - From Unleash your Spiritual Power and Grow By Glyn Edwards and Santoshan

Inspiration From Contemporary And Past Teachers

From Unleash your Spiritual Power and Grow
By Glyn Edwards and Santoshan
Published by Foulsham/Quanum Books

Introduction
On being human
Beginning the search and finding traces
Knowing oneself
Working with awareness and anger
The art of being
Love and forgiveness
Patience
Being a giant in all situations
Practising peace and stillness
Appreciating change
Acknowledging one’s perfect nature
The path: its influence, implications and rewards
Affirming the Universal Self
Surrendering to a Greater Life
Transcendence and awakening to the sacred in all
God’s oneness, immanence and transcendence
Finding truth within and allowing it to shine
An example of manifesting compassion in everyday life
Quotation sources

Introduction

The following quotes are from various traditions, disciplines, teachers and writers. What is written needs little introduction as the teachings and descriptions of various levels of experience speak clearly for themselves. We have attempted to find passages that tie in with the rest of the book, with a learning towards the practical and explanative in most instances, and the inspirational in others. For subjects linked with everyday awareness we have drawn mainly upon contemporary writers who obviously have more knowledge of the problems of modern day living.

One sometimes hears people say that teachings from different traditions should not be mixed and that one ought to keep practices ‘pure’. But anyone who studies the growth of any tradition soon discovers there is little that can be placed under such a heading. All teachings evolve out of what has gone before – even though they may have new wisdom and perspectives to add – and are developing and changing all the time. Yet, in all of this, there are some aspects that are fairly universal and all-embracing, and it is these which we have tried to include, although descriptions of Ultimate Reality rely on using words that are often inadequate and many have their own interpretations. But, these day, the focus is generally clear. It not so much where we are going or speculating metaphysical notions that are of prime importance – as there must surely be levels beyond our understanding – but where we are now, how we respond to life and others, and manifest the reality of our truth in everyday experience.

Many individuals are seeking healthy dialogues with people from different backgrounds and disciplines in order to learn from one another, as well as from past mistakes and misconceptions. Most are seeking ways to move on, improve and adapt their understanding and to find teachings that fit the needs of practical living in the world today. The following pages are for those who wish to overcome boundaries, develop further, have their own insights, and understand more about spiritual life from various perspectives and stages people have encountered. May the wisdom of all ages spur you on in your development.

On Being Human
In ordinary consciousness, our conditioned self-interest limits us to seeing and paying attention only to that one percent of difference – to the almost total exclusion of our common humanity. Occasionally we do catch a glimpse of how much we have in common, as when we behold great beauty, or when we are united by a powerful desire for peace or justice. But such moments come rarely, and are swallowed up all too quickly by a flood of conditioned thinking that once again rivets our attention on how this person insulted us or that country offended us, how life would be perfect if only we had just a bit more money or opinions were shared by those in power.
– Eknath Easwaran (1)

Life is evolution, it is progress, a striving upwards, a developing, unfolding, extension, reaching out.
– Silver Birch (2)

Humanity as a whole requires us to love and care for all. That is the condition for becoming a true human being. All the great ideals, positive attitudes, and creative forces grow in the heart after becoming a true human being, and we naturally move on the path of transformation.
– Swami Rama (3)

Beginning the Search and Finding Traces
Man’s spiritual development is a long and arduous journey, an adventure through strange lands full of surprises, difficulties and even dangers. It involves a drastic transmutation of the ‘normal’ elements of the personality, an awakening of potentialities hitherto dormant, a raising of consciousness to new realms, and a functioning along a new inner dimension.
– Roberto Assagioli (4)

So the man looking for traces finally stumbles upon them – not in the sublime scriptures where he thought they were, far above everything that bothers him. The traces are right in the middle of daily life, amid our daily chores, troubles and hang-ups, and they are conspicuous. . . wherever I look, there are traces everywhere. That produces the first serious upset in the practice.

‘What have I let myself in for? I am getting worse instead of better! This is not leading out of suffering.’ For it is not that I am getting worse, it is only that I am beginning to see what actually is there, and always has been there. Little by little the defence screens behind which I habitually hide myself are beginning to give way and dissolve; and with that a first awareness arises of what formidable task is ahead.
– Myokyo-Ni (5)

Knowing Oneself
Most people confuse ‘self-knowledge’ with knowledge of their conscious ego-personalities. Anyone who has any ego-consciousness at all takes it for granted that he knows himself. But the ego knows only its own contents, not the unconscious and its contents.
– C. G. Jung (6)

A soul that desires to attain knowledge of spiritual things must first know itself, for it cannot acquire knowledge of a higher kind until it first knows itself.
– Hilton (7)

Working with Awareness and Anger
Mind is the forerunner of all actions.
All deeds are led by mind, created by mind.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind, suffering follows,
As the wheel follows the hoof of an ox pulling a cart.

Mind is the forerunner of all actions.
All deeds are led by mind, created by mind.
If one speaks or acts with a serene mind, happiness follows,
As surely as one’s shadow.

‘He abused me, mistreated me, defeated me, robbed me.’
Harbouring such thoughts keeps hatred alive.

‘He abused me, mistreated me, defeated me, robbed me.’
Releasing such thoughts banishes hatred for all time.
– The Dhammapada (8)

Growth in true selfhood does not whittle away my capacity to feel angry or aggressive. Neither does it lessen my need to respond in some way to that feeling. Growth helps me to accept my aggressiveness as a human feeling that is undeniably there. The unfolding spirit of man, moreover, offers each person a wider view of life. It is from this perspective that I may see in a new light the persons, events, or things that arouse my anger and aggression. From this wider view, my anger either subsides, lessens, or finds the right expression in the angry situation. This wider vision itself is born not in anger but in gentleness.

It is not enough to enjoy this wider vision of life; I must also know my anger and its source so that it can be illuminated and tempered by this philosophical or religious vision. A first condition for this sublimation of anger is knowing fully that I feel this way. Next I need to find out why I am feeling so. Only then can I do something about the way I feel in the light of my gentle vision of self and humanity.
– Adrian van Kaam (9)

As our daily practice expands, awareness opens to encompass more of our activities. As this general mindfulness becomes established, we notice, for instance, that if all of a sudden anger comes up, we are immediately aware of it. It is acknowledged before it is expressed in words or deeds or becomes out of control. We notice ourselves automatically investigating strong interruptions in the flow. We discover that the sooner we are aware of what’s going on, the more space we have in which to relate. When we see ourselves about to get lost in a thought or emotion or desire, we have a moment of choice available . . .

This over-all mindfulness is a general scanning that occurs from having encouraged deeper looking. Painful attitudes and desires have less chance to just appear full-grown in the mind when we can see them coming. It’s not what arises in the mind that matters, as much as how soon we are aware – mindful of its presence, how soon the forgetfulness of identification falls away. Even a second can be the difference between being lost in a state of mind and the joy which a moment later says, ‘There comes that one; how interesting, I’m not pulled by it so much any more.’ It becomes fascinating because the realization ‘Wow, I’m free of anger,’ is often followed by the recognition that we are free from everything at that moment except the pride about how free we are.
– Stephen Levine (10)

The Art of Being
Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go its own way, meandering here, trickling there. It will find the grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight. It will take you.
– Sheng-yen (11)

Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward. Work not for a reward; but never cease to do thy work.
– The Bhagavad Gita (12)

Cultivate a generous, open heart. Develop the habit of finding joy in giving, giving. It doesn’t matter what you give. Find ways to make others happy. Do not give thought to whether you will receive anything in return. . . The freely you give, the greater your satisfaction will be. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
– Sri Daya Mata (13)

When with others, we should be mindful not to harm them by careless remarks. . . When alone we should examine our thoughts.
– Geshe Rabten and Gesha Dhargyey (14)

Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. Be happy now and if you show through your actions that you love others, including those who are poorer than you, you’ll give them happiness too. It doesn’t take much – it can be just a smile. The world would be a much better place if everyone smiled. So smile, be cheerful, be joyous . . .
– Mother Teresa (15)

The universe is sacred.
You cannot improve it.
If you try to change it, you will ruin it.
If you try to hold it, you will lose it. . .

See simplicity in the complicated.
Achieve greatness in little things.
– Tao Te Ching (16)

To live the spiritual life is to allow the eternal to manifest in the moment without distorting it with the illusions of what we think it is. We can serve this manifestation and fulfil its purpose as human beings. We can turn towards that One Source of all life and open ourselves in love, so that life can flow freely through us and in the world. This turning and opening in love is the meaning of prayer, as we relax into the One Being and allow the Love of God, or the will of God, to flow where it is needed.
– Reshad Feild (17)

The more we try to interpret an experience and clothe it in words, the more we remove ourselves from it. We are left with ‘fixed’ concepts, and dualistic views concerning the world, so that our responses and reactions to daily situations do not flow from a natural state. . .

. . . we believe that our thoughts and feelings are ‘mine’; we judge them in relation to ‘my’ situation, ‘my’ life. But thoughts and feelings are not ‘me’ at all. One thought simply is associated with another thought, and then another. . . Each thought involves various words and images, like motion picture frames which are moving continuously, forward or backward, so that the imagery occupies our awareness. . .

As we observe our minds, we see that our consciousness easily becomes fixed on thoughts or sensory input. For example, when we suddenly hear a door slam or traffic screech, our minds immediately project an image or concept; and associated with this idea or image is an experience with very precise and exact feeling tones. By staying within the immediate moment, it is possible to enter ‘within’ the experience. At that moment we discover a certain type of inner atmosphere or environment that has no shape, no form, no specific characteristic or structure. . . Therefore to become free from dualistic patterns of mind it is important to go ‘beyond’ relative understandings and belief, to look inside, and, as much as possible, to stay within the very first moment of experience.
– Tarthang Tulku (18)

Love and Forgiveness
Love your neighbour as you love yourself.
– Matthew Gospel (19)

Love the wicked man. Why? Because he will then love you, and love will unite his soul with yours.
– Rabbi Rafael of Bershad (20)

Compassion is simply expressing in action the interrelatedness of all life, all being; the person who talks about cosmic unity but does not express it in compassion has not begun to understand it.
– Robert Ellwood (21)

Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source both of inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species. On the one hand, they constitute non-violence in action. On the other they are the source of all spiritual qualities: of forgiveness, tolerance and all the virtues. Moreover they are the very thing that gives meaning to our activities and makes them constructive. There is nothing amazing about being highly educated; there is nothing amazing about being rich. Only if the individual has a warm heart do these attributes become worthwhile.

So to those who say that the Dalai Lama is being unrealistic in advocating this ideal of unconditional love, I urge them to experiment with it nonetheless. They will discover that when we reach beyond the confines of narrow self-interest, our hearts become filled with strength. Peace and joy become our constant companion. It breaks down barriers of every kind and in the end destroys the notion of my interest as separate from others’ interest. But most importantly, insofar as ethics is concerned, where love of one’s neighbour, affection, kindness and compassion live, we find that ethical conduct is automatic. Ethically wholesome actions arise naturally in the context of compassion.
– The Dalai Lama (22)

Compassion is one of the attributes of the spirit. I’ve said it is so many times. Love, affection, friendship, compassion, mercy, tolerance, kindness, service, are the attributes of the sprit. When you express them you are manifesting yourself spiritually.
– Silver Birch (23)

In order to develop love – universal love, cosmic love, whatever you would like to call it – one must accept the whole situation of life as it is, both the light and the dark, the good and the bad. One must open oneself to life, communicate with it.
– Chogyam Trungpa (24)

Failing to grasp the importance of forgiveness is always part of any failing relationship and a factor in our anxieties, depressions, and illnesses – in all our troubles. Our failure to know joy is a direct reflection of our inability to forgive.

. . . Analysis and intellectual efforts can produce some softening of the rigidity of nonforgiveness. But true or complete forgiveness lies on a different plane.

Nonforgiveness is rooted in our habit of thinking self-centred thoughts. When we believe in such thoughts, they are like a drop of poison in our glass of water. The first, formidable task is to label and observe these thoughts until the poison can evaporate. Then the major work can be done: the active experiencing as a bodily physical sensation of the anger’s residue in the body, without any clinging to self-centred thoughts. The transformation to forgiveness, which is closely related to compassion, can take place because the dualistic world of the small mind and its thoughts has been deserted for the nondual, nonpersonal experiencing that alone can lead us out of our hell of nonforgiveness.
– Charlotte Joko Beck (25)

Patience
In the forge of continence,
Let patience be the goldsmith,
On the anvil of understanding
Let him strike with the hammer of knowledge.
– Sikh Morning Prayer (26)

If one doesn’t have patience in daily living one often becomes uneasy and worried. One tries to do things which are not even effective in order to speed up the results of one’s plans.

Impatience shows up the ego because we want things to happen the way we have planned them. We also want them to happen at the time we’ve decided for them. Our own ideas are the only ones taken into consideration. We forget there are other factors and other people involved. We also forget we are only one of four billion people on this planet, that this planet is one speck in this galaxy, and that there are innumerable galaxies. We conveniently forget such matters. We want things our own way now. When it doesn’t happen according to our own preconceived notion, an impatient person usually becomes angry. It’s a vicious circle of impatience and anger.

Patience has a quality of insight. One realizes that plans can be made but that anything can interfere with them.
– Ayya Khema (27)

Being a Giant in all Situations
Where there is anger, apply loving kindness.
Where there is evil, offer good.
Where there is stinginess, be generous.
Where there are lies, be truthful.

One should not neglect one’s own moral good
For the sake of another’s.
Learn first before teaching anothers.
Let each one embrace his own truth
And devote himself to its fulfilment.

Pay no attention to harsh words uttered by others.
Do not be concerned with what others have done or have not done.
Observe your own actions and inactions.
– The Dhammapada (28)

The man who does not permit his spirit to be beaten down and upset by dryness and helplessness, but who lets God lead him peacefully through the wilderness, and desires no other support or guidance than that of pure faith and trust in God alone, will be brought to deep and peaceful union with Him.
– Thomas Merton (29)

My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion;
let them not escape from your sight,
and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
Then you will walk on your way securely
and your foot will not stumble.
– Proverbs (30)

Learn to be contented under all circumstances. One who has contentment in his heart finds good everywhere and at all times.
– Srimad Bhagavatam (31)

Cherish no hate for thy brother who offends, because you have not offended him. . . A man’s transgressions depend not entirely upon his free choice, but often upon many other circumstances.
– A Hasidic Rabbi (32)

Judge not, that you be not judged.
– Matthew Gospel (33)

Practising Peace and Stillness
Be still. Do not think of plans for bringing peace into your life. . . Dwell now only on His Presence. And be still in feeling. Do not give your feelings of fear and worry additional force by attending to them. Be still also in desire; that is, be single-hearted, desirous only of learning this peace.

‘I Am Peace within thee’; within thee, a metaphor to express the nearness, the all-pervadingness of the Spirit of Peace.

Thus we take these words as the Voice of the indwelling Spirit, speaking Peace through our whole consciousness.

With the stilling of thought and emotion will come an illumination, as it were, of our whole being: ‘The entrance of Thy words giveth Light’, and so from the entrance of this Word of Peace there comes the Light of Knowledge.

From this Peace we draw wisdom and strength for all our needs. For this Divine Peace is vital, life-giving; there is nothing of inertia in it. Peace is not the mere absence of anxiety and fear; it is the state that comes from knowing we are not alone, the Eternal is with us.
– M. V. Dunlop (34)

All wise people realize that the deeper part of our nature can only be expressed effectively when our outer being is still.
– Swami Paramananda (35)

Appreciating Change
In learning to appreciate and develop your ability to change, it is helpful to think about how you have changed over time. You are not the same person you were ten years ago. How are you different? What were you like before? Would your present self and past self be friends if they met? What would they like and dislike about each other? How did you come to be the person you are now? Your ideals, thoughts, and opinions have changed; what has replaced the old ones and why? By reviewing the changes that have occurred, you can savor the growth and progress you have made, and appreciate the benefits the process of change has brought to your life.

When you notice how much you have changed and developed even without consciously trying, you can see how much you could grow if you made a real effort to change. It may be helpful to think about your present life in relation to the future self you will become. Will your present actions improve your life, making it rich in growth and positive experience? What will you think when you look back ten years from today? How instrumental will you have been in making the changes that have taken place? By questioning your life in this way, you can gain a clearer perspective on your motivation to change and grow.
– Tarthang Tulku (36)

Acknowledging our Perfect Nature
You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
– Matthew Gospel (37)

Only when we have removed the harm in ourselves do we become truly useful to others. Through . . . slowly removing the unkindness and harm from ourselves, we allow our true Good Heart, the fundamental goodness and kindness that are our real nature, to shine out and become the warm climate in which our true being flowers.
– Sogyal Rinpoche (38)

This Original Life is Infinite. It is good. It is filled with peace. It is of the essence of purity. It is the ultimate of intelligence. It is power. It is Law. It is in us. In that inner sanctuary of our own nature, hidden perhaps from objective gaze, ‘nestles the seed, perfection.’
– Earnest Holmes (39)

If I say, ‘A lotus for you, a Buddha to be,’ it means, ‘I see clearly the Buddha nature in you.’ It may be difficult for you to accept that the seed of the Buddha is in you, but we all have the capacity for faith, awakening, understanding, and awareness, and that is what is meant by Buddha nature. There is no one who does not have the capacity to be a Buddha.
– Thich Nhat Hanh (40)

Each of us possesses a soul, but we do not realize its value, as made in the image of God, therefore we fail to understand the important secret it contains.
– St. Teresa of Avila (41)

The beauty within each thought and feeling is a source of security, protection, and strength. Our self-imposed limitations fall away before the limitless ability and intelligence of this deeper awareness. Within the space of our deeper mind, everything is perfect. Despite the apparent difficulties common to our lives, here the essence of consciousness is seen to be peace.
– Tarthang Tulku (42)

The Path: its Influence, Implications and Rewards
Let there be many windows in your soul,
That all the glory of the universe
May beautify it. Not the narrow pane
Of one poor creed can catch the radiant rays
That shine from countless sources. Tear away
The blinds of superstition; let the light
Pour through fair windows, broad as truth itself
And as high heaven . . . Tune your ear
To all the worldless music of the stars
And to the voice of nature, and your heart
Shall turn to truth and goodness as the plant
Turns to the sun. A thousand unseen hands
Reach down to help you to their peace-crowned Heights
And all the forces of the firmament
Shall fortify your strength. Be not afraid
To thrust aside half-truths and grasp the whole.
– from Trine’s In Tune with the Infinite (43)

An occasional contact with God, like the proverbial grain of truth, will work wonders; but we cannot expect a complete and perfect spiritual existence simply because once in a while we remember to turn to God, or to devote a few hours to the study of spiritual books. It requires prayer without ceasing to make life a continuous experience of good.
– Joel S. Goldsmith (44)

You are not to mind greatly who is for you or against you, but take good care that God is with you in everything that you do.
– Thomas à Kempis (45)

Try always to remember the eternal principles upon which life is founded and to live in harmony with them. That is the way to ensure the tranquillity, repose, calmness, peace and inner stillness that comes to all those who are in tune with the larger aspects of being.
– Silver Birch (46)

When the seeds of our actions are caring and sincere, we can know that they will bear nourishing fruit for all beings. . . We can only begin now, where we are, and it is this now that becomes the seed for all that lies ahead. Our responsibility, our creativity is all that is asked. With such sincere motivation, we will naturally ask wise questions and offer true care, tending what we love with a far-reaching wisdom.
– Jack Kornfield (47)

Some people discover the need for honesty as well as feelings of love and compassion for themselves, for others, and for the world. . . they often feel a poignant respect and caring for the ‘old self’ that for years bore a heavy load of problems, as well as for the ‘new self’ that struggled courageously to come into being. Through their own hardships, many people feel a deeper connection with the suffering of others.

In addition, they might have had a mystical experience of unity with all life and realize that they cannot hurt others without hurting themselves. They might feel a deepening commitment to ease someone else’s life and discover that by doing so they are also easing their own. They may become interested in using their newfound strength and insight to help others.

For many people, spirituality becomes a desirable and necessary part of life. They realize that the spiritual element has been missing from their lives. As part of their emerging process, they may have had transcendent experiences that have made them aware of previously hidden areas of existence. Others find this expanded dimension only after they have confronted certain difficult aspects of themselves. Whatever the route, most individuals want to stay in contact with the nourishing and inspirational dimensions they have encountered. These extensive, new spiritual impulses within themselves are expressed in their lives in a number of ways.
– Christina and Stanislav Grof (48)

Affirming the Universal Self
I am conscious that the life and intelligence within me is some part of the Universal Spirit. Therefore, I know that I my mind is one with the Infinite Mind. Being one with the Infinite Mind, it is continuously guided and directed and all my actions are controlled by the Spirit within me.

I know exactly what to do in every situation. Every idea necessary to successful living is brought to my attention. The doorway to ever-increasing opportunity for self-expression is ever open before me. I am continuously meeting new and larger experiences. Everyday brings more blessing and greater self-expression. I am prospered in everything I do. An abundance of good is mine today.

There is that within me which understands the Truth, which completely accepts It, which remembers freedom, expresses freedom, and anticipates freedom. There is that within me which is completely conscious of its unity with good, of its oneness with all the power there is, all the presence there is, and all the life there is. Upon this Power, Presence and Life I depend with complete certainty. I have absolute inner assurance that Divine Intelligence guides me in everything that I do.

. . . I know that this Presence responds to me. I know that everyone is an incarnation of God, that the living Spirit breathes through all. . . I recognise this Spirit and It responds to me. The Spirit within me reaches out and communes with the Spirit in everyone and everything I contact. . .
– Ernest Holmes (49)

Surrendering to a Greater Life
Father to Thee I raise my whole being,
a vessel emptied of self.
Accept, Lord, this my emptiness,
and so fill me with Thyself,
Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Life,
that these Thy precious gifts
may radiate through me
and overflow the chalice of my heart
into the hearts of all
whom I may contact this day,
revealing unto them the beauty
of Thy Joy and Wholeness,
and the serenity of Thy Peace,
which nothing can destroy
– The Chalice Prayer (50)

Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace that,
Where there is hatred, I may bring love;
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
That where there is error, I may bring truth;
That where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
That where there is despair, I may bring hope;
That where there are shadows, I may bring light;
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy;
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted,
To understand than to be understood;
To love than to be loved.
For it by forgetting self that one finds;
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven;
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
– St. Francis of Assisi (51)

But I have spoken of great things . . .
too wonderful for me to know.
I knew of thee then only by report,
But now I see thee with my own eyes.
Therefore I melt away . . .
– Job (52)

Transcendence and Awakening to the Sacred in All
None of us is an independent reality. We are all parts of a whole, experiencing ourselves through our heredity, our families, our language, our race, our traditions, our customs. . . So far this is on a fairly ordinary level of consciousness but we can now go to a higher level of consciousness such that we go beyond our physical consciousness and beyond our normal psychological consciousness, and then we become aware of a transcendent or transpersonal consciousness. . . now we begin to discover that we ourselves are related to, and dependent on, powers and energies which are beyond us and above us.
– Bede Griffiths (53)

And when a man sees that the God in himself is the same God in all that is, he hurts not himself by hurting others: then he goes indeed to the highest Path.
When one sees Eternity in things that pass away and Infinity in finite things, then one has pure knowledge.
– The Bhagavad Gita (54)

It is only as you live affirmatively that you can be happy. Knowing that there is but one Spirit in which everyone lives, moves and has his being . . .
– Earnest Holmes (55)

I still remember walking down the Notting Hill main road and observing the (extremely sordid) landscape with joy and astonishment. Even the movement of the traffic had something universal and sublime in it.
– Evelyn Underhill (56)

At times I feel as if I am spread out over the landscape and inside things, and am myself living in every tree, in the splashing of the waves, in the clouds and the animals that come and go, in the procession of the seasons.
– C. G. Jung (57)

In the market, in the cloister, only God I saw;
In the valley, on the mountain, only God I saw . . .
I opened mine eyes and by the light of His Face around me
In all the eye discovered, only God I saw.
Like a candle I was melting in His Fire:
Amidst the flames outflashing only God I saw . . .
I passed away into nothingness, I vanished,
And lo, I was the All-living – only God I saw.
– Baba Kuhi (58)

God’s Oneness, Immanence and Transcendence
It is large, heavenly, of inconceivable form;
yet it appears more minute than the minute.
It is farther than the farthest,
yet it is here at hand;
It is right here within those who see,
hidden within the cave of their heart.
– Mundaka Upanishad (59)

It moves – yet it does not move
It’s far away – yet it is near at hand!
It is within this whole world – yet
it’s also outside this whole world.

When a man sees all beings
within his very self,
and sees his self within all beings,
It will not seek to hide from him.

When in the self of a discriminating man,
his very self has become all beings,
What bewilderment, what sorrow can there be,
regarding that self of him who sees this oneness.
– Isa Upanishad (60)

Finding Truth within and Allowing It to Shine
Truth is within ourselves, it takes no rise
From outward things, whate’er you may believe.
There is an inner centre in us all
Where truth abides in fullness; and around
Wall upon wall the gross flesh hems it in
That perfect clear perception which is Truth.
A baffling and pervading carnal mesh
Binds all and makes all error, but to know
Rather consists in finding out a way
For the imprisoned splendour to escape
Than in achieving entry for a light
Supposed to be without.
– Browning (61)

An Example of Manifesting Compassion in Everyday Life
The Dalai Lama was due to attend a small reception . . . Among the onlookers I saw a man whom I had noticed a couple of times during the week. . . he had caught my attention because of his expression, one that I had frequently seen among my patients – anxious, profoundly depressed, in pain. And I thought I noticed slight repetitive involuntary movements of the musculature around his mouth. . .

As the Dalai Lama arrived, the crowd condensed, pressing forward to greet him. . . The troubled young man whom I had seen earlier, now with a somewhat bewildered expression, was crushed forward by the crowd . . . As the Dalai Lama made his way through, he noticed the man . . . and stopped to talk to him. The man was startled at first, and began to speak very rapidly to the Dalai Lama, who spoke a few words in return. . . .I saw that as the man spoke, he started to become visibly more agitated. . . but instead of responding, the Dalai Lama spontaneously took the man's hand between his, patted it gently, and for several moments simply stood there silently nodding. As he held the man’s hand firmly, looking into his eyes, it seemed as if he were unaware of the mass of people around him. The look of pain and agitation suddenly seemed to drain from the man's face and tears ran down his cheeks. Although the smile that surfaced and slowly spread across his features was thin, a look of comfort and gladness appeared in the man's eyes.
– Howard C. Cutler (62)

Quotation Sources

1. Swami Rama, A Call to Humanity: Revolutionary Thoughts on the Direction for Spiritual and Social reform in our Time, Himalayan Institute, Pennsylvania, 1988, page 122.

2. Silver Birch, from The teachings of Silver Birch (edited by A. W. Austen), Psychic Press, London, 1993, page 73.

3. Eknath Easwaran, The Compassionate Universe: The Power of the Individual to Heal the Environment, Nilgiri Press, California, 1989, pages 154-155.

4. Roberto Assagioli, Psychosynthesis: A Manual of Principles and Techniques, Aquarian, London, 1993, page 39.

5. Myokyo-Ni (Irmgard Schloegl), Gentling the Bull: The Ten Bull Pictures – A Spiritual Journey, Zen Centre, London, 1990, pages 51-53.

6. C. G. Jung, The Undiscovered Self, Routledge, Melksham, 1993, pages 6-7.

7. Hilton, Ladder of Perfection, in F. C. Happold’s Mysticism: A Study and an Anthology, Penguin, London, 1969, page 318.

8. Adrian van Kaam, Anger and the Gentle Life in Awakening the Heart: East/West Approches to Psychotherapy and the Healing Relationship, D (edited by John Welwood), Shambala, London, 1985,
page 97.

9. The Dhammapada (verses 1.1-4), translated by the Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya, Parallax Press, California, 1995.

10. Stephen Levine, A Gradual Awakening: A Pracical Introduction to Meditation, Century, London, 1989, page 130.

11. Sheng-yen, in Kazuaki Tanahashi and David Schneider’s Essential Zen, Castle Books, New Jersey, 1996, page 23.

12. The Bhagavad Gita (verses 2.47-48), translated by Juan Mascaro, Penguin Books, London, 1962.

13. Sri Daya Mata, Finding the Joy Within You: Personal Counsel for God-Centred Living, Self-Realization Fellowship, California, 1990, pages 219-220.

14. Geshe Rabten and Gesha Dhargyey, Advice from a Spiritual Friend (translated and edited by Brian Beresford), Wisdom Books, Boston, 1996, page 48.

15. Mother Teresa, A Simple Path, BCA, London, 1995, pages 174.

16. Tao Te Ching (verses 29 and 63), translated by Gia-Fu and Jane English, in Bede Griffiths’ Universal Wisdom: A Journey through the Sacred Wisdom of the the World, HarperCollins, London, 1994.

17. Reshad Feild, The Alchemy of the Heart, Element, Dorset, page 139.

18. Tarthang Tulku, Gestures of Balance: A Guide to Awareness, Self-Healing and Meditation, Dharma, California, 1977, pages 98-99.

19. Rabbi Rafael of Bershad, from Victor Gollancz’ New Year of Grace: An Anthology for Youth and Age, Gollancz, London, 1964, page 162.

20. Robert Ellwood, Finding Deep Joy, A Quest Book, Illinois, 1984, page 20.

21. The Dalai Lama, Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for a New Millennium, Little Brown, London, 1999, page 139.

22. Matthew Gospel (verse 19.19), Good News Bible, Collins/Fontana, London, 1976.

23. Silver Birch More Philosophy of Silver Birch (complied by Tony Ortzen), Psychic press, London, 1988, page 246.

24. Chogyam Trungpa, in Belle Valerie Gaunt and George Trevelyan’s A Tent in which to Pass a Summer Night: An Anthology for a New Age, Coventure, London, 1977, page 39.

25. Charlotte Joko Beck, Nothing Special: Living Zen, HarperCollins, New York, 1995, pages 57-59.

26. Sikh Morning Prayer 38, translated by Khushwant Singh and others, in Bede Griffiths’ Universal Wisdom: A Journey through the Sacred Wisdom of the the World, HarperCollins, London, 1994.

27. Ayya Khema, Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path, Wisdom, Boston, 1987, pages 143-144.

28. Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation, Hollis and Carter, London, 1956, page 151.

29. Matthew Gospel (verse 7.1), translation from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, in Bede Griffiths’ Universal Wisdom, HarperCollins, London, 1994.

30. Srimad Bhagavatam: The Wisdom of God, translated by Swami Prabhavananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, 1992, page 147.

31. A Hasidic Rabbi, from Victor Gollancz’ New Year of Grace: An Anthology for Youth and Age, Gollancz, London, 1964, page 162.

32. The Dhammapada (verses 17.4, 12.10 and 4.7), translated by the Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya, Parallax Press, California, 1995.

33. Proverbs (verses 3.21-23), translation from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, in Bede Griffiths’ Universal Wisdom: A Journey through the Sacred Wisdom of the the World, HarperCollins, London, 1994.

34. M. V. Dunlop, Contemplative Meditation, Becket Publications, Oxford, 1982, page 19.

35. Swami Paramananda, Silence as Yoga, Vedanta Centre, Cohasset, 1974, page 15-16.

36. Tarthang Tulku, Skillful Means: Patterns for Success, Dharma Publishing, California, 1991, page 48-49.

37. Matthew Gospel (verse 5.48), translation from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, in Bede Griffiths’ Universal Wisdom, HarperCollins, London, 1994.

38. Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: , Rider, London, 1992, pages 61-61.

39. Earnest Holmes, The Science of Mind, Putnam, New York, 1988, page 36.

40. Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy and Liberation, Parallax Press, California, 1998, page 175.

41. St. Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, Fount, London 1995, page 169.

42. Tarthang Tulku, Hidden Mind of Freedom, Dharma Publishing, California, 1981, page 23.

43. Joel S. Goldsmith, Practising the Presence of God, Fowler, Essex, 1985, page 47.

44. Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Fount, Glasgow, 1984, page 86.

45. Silver Birch, More Philosophy of Silver Birch (complied by Tony Ortzen), Psychic press, London, 1988, page 248.

46. from Ralph Waldo Trine’s In Tune with the Infinite, Bell, London, 1956, page 96-97.

47. Jack Kornfield, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path, Rider, London, 2000, pages 270-271.

48. Christina Grof and Stanislav Grof, The Stormy Search for the Self: Understanding and Living with Spiritual Emergency, Thorsons, London, 1995, page 285-286.

49. Ernest Holmes, How to Use the Science of Mind, Putnam, New York, 1948, page 58-59.

50. The Chalice Prayer, in Reshad Feild’s Reason is Powerless in the Expression of Love, Chalice Guild, Los Angeles, 1990, page 58.

51. St. Francis of Assisi, Prayer of Peace, from Mother Teresa’s A Simple Path, BCA, London, 1995, pages 175.)

52. Job (verses 42.3-6), from Robert Ellwood’s Finding Deep Joy, A Quest Book, Illinois, 1984, page 19.

53. Bede Griffiths, A New Vision of Reality: Western Science, Eastern Mysticism and Christian Faith, Fount, London, 1989, pages 263-264.

54. The Bhagavad Gita (verses 13.28 and 18.20), translated by Juan Mascaro, Penguin Books, London, 1962.

55. Earnest Holmes, This Thing Called You, Putnam, New York, 1985, page 145.

56. Evelyn Underhill, from Victor Gollancz’ New Year of Grace: An Anthology for Youth and Age, Gollancz, London, 1964, page 379.

57. C. G. Jung, from Vivianne Crowley’s Principles of Jungian Spirituality, Thorsons, London, 1998, page 136.

58. Baba Kuhi, in Sidney Spencer’s Mysticism in World Religion: , Allen and Unwin, London, 1963, page 320.

59. Mundaka Upanishad (verse 3:1.7), from Upanisads, translated by Patrick Olivelle, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1996.

60. Isa Upanishad (verses 5-7), from Upanisads, translated by Patrick Olivelle, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1996.

61. Browning, Paracelsus, from Belle Valerie Gaunt and George Trevelyan’s A Tent in which to Pass a Summer Night: An Anthology for a New Age, Coventure, London, 1977, page 118.

62. Howard C. Cutler, from H.H. Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler’s, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living,Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1998, pages 260-261.